Coffee Machine Pre-Infusion Optimization for Bean-Adaptive Brewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee beverage preparation machines require significant user expertise and manual adjustments to achieve high-quality beverages, as settings can be affected by factors like component wear and coffee bean characteristics, leading to inconsistent results.
Innovation Solution
A method and machine that automatically optimize pre-infusion and infusion parameters based on coffee bean origin, roasting level, and granulometry, using algorithms to adjust quantities of coffee and water, monitor extraction parameters, and provide feedback-driven corrections to maintain consistent brewing quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual modification of machine setting parameters is performed to optimize beverage quality, then beverage quality can be improved, but user expertise and time are required which reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The machine performs self-adjustment of setting parameters by automatically modifying one or more setting parameters of at least one component based on monitoring data, eliminating the need for manual user intervention and expertise while maintaining optimal beverage quality
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors extraction parameters during beverage preparation and uses this feedback to automatically adjust setting parameters, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains consistency without requiring user intervention
2Device complexity
If setting parameters are kept constant over time, then machine simplicity is maintained, but component wear and accumulation affect extraction quality
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts setting parameters based on monitored extraction parameters and detected deviations, transitioning from static constant settings to adaptive dynamic settings that compensate for component wear and maintain consistent quality
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically modifies setting parameters of machine components based on detected deviations in extraction parameters, changing physical or operational parameters to compensate for wear and maintain optimal performance
3Reliability
If pre-infusion parameters are optimized for different coffee bean types, then extraction quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The machine automatically determines and adjusts pre-infusion parameters based on coffee bean characteristics without requiring manual user configuration, performing the optimization function autonomously
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary optimization of pre-infusion parameters based on coffee bean type before the actual brewing process, preparing optimal settings in advance to ensure quality extraction
Data Source
AI summary
A method for a machine (10) for preparing a coffee beverage, in which a dose of coffee powder is supplied to an infusion chamber (14), and a pre-infusion step and subsequently an infusion step of said powder dose is performed in order to dispense the beverage. The method provides to perform at least a first optimization of the operating parameters of said machine (10) comprising receiving an indication regarding an origin and a roasting level of said beans and executing an algorithm to define at least a weight of a quantity of coffee (Q coffee) to be used for said dose of powder, and a quantity of water (Q_water) to be used in said pre-infusion step. Embodiments disclosed herein further relate to a machine for preparing beverages which implements such a method.